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OVERVIEW
The Pony of the Americas is a popular and growing breed. It was begun in 1954 to provide a pony with good appearance, speed and stamina for young riders who were too big for a small pony but not ready for a full-sized horse. The breed, more commonly called the POA, has distinct characteristics inherited from the Arabian, Shetland and Welsh Ponies. The POA has one of the six Appaloosa colors. POA ponies are quick and durable. Races similar to Quarter Horse races are staged for children, and the times recorded come close to races for full-sized horses. POA ponies are used on ranches, for trail and endurance rides and in jumping.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
The Pony of the Americas stands between 11.2 and 13.2 hands in height. It has a refined head with a dished, Arabian-like nose, expressive eyes and fine ears. The body is full, the chest broad and the shoulders should be sloping. The quarters are substantial and the legs should have ample bone. This breed appears in one of the so-called Appaloosa colors. At birth, many POA foals are solid-colored and only become spotted as they mature. The POA is a strong, fast and durable pony capable of performing a wide variety of tasks.
ORIGIN
The Pony of the Americas breed was founded in 1954 in Iowa. The foundation sire was Black Hand #1. Among the breeds influencing the POA are the Arab, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, Welsh Pony and Shetland Pony.
INTERESTING FACTS
The foundation stallion of the breed Pony of the Americas was Black Hand #1. In 1954, his owner, Leslie Boomhower of Mason City, Iowa, began a registry of this distinguished pony's offspring. Black Hand was sired by a Shetland Pony, out of an Appaloosa mare. In 1970, fifteen years after its founding, the POA registry carried over 12,000 registered horses. Today that number exceeds 40,000.
INFLUENCES
1. Shetland Pony
2. Appaloosa
For more information:
Pony of the Americas Club, Inc.
